7 Top Canine Health Problems

Canines unfortunately do not complain of their health or tell you they are in pain. The most serious health problems can be prevented by vaccinations and regular treatment, yet it would help to have a look at the 7 top canine health problems.

1) Vomiting and Diarrhea: It could be caused by an infection known as parvovirus, or when the canine swallows inappropriate foods and objects like little toys, items of clothing, chocolate, or gum wrappers. It is the cause of concern when a dog repeatedly vomits for more than a day and it is characterized with blood in vomit or diarrhea, dark or black diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss, fever, or a change in appetite. Prevent dehydration by giving the dog plenty of fresh water to drink. As a general rule avoid feeding your dog food for 12 to 24 hours or until your vet advices you.

2) Heartworms: It is a serious and potentially deadly disease where parasites infect the dog’s heart and arteries and show up as symptoms like coughing to lethargy, collapsing, and depression. Developed when canines are exposed to the larvae by a mosquito bite, these larvae could develop into large worms that could progress to heart failure and death. Treatment includes medications to kill the parasites and surgery in advanced cases. Heart worms can however be prevented by daily oral medications, topicals, injections, and a simple, once-a-month pill.

3) Kennel Cough: Known to be a highly contagious form of bronchitis, it creates inflammation in the dog’s voice box and windpipe. Most commonly caused by exposure to other infected dogs, either at doggie daycare, the groomer’s, or a kennel, the treatment lies in giving the canine antibiotics as well as letting it run its course. It would help using a humidifier or taking your pet dog into a steam filled bathroom. 

4) Lower urinary tract problems: Some of the most common problems include incontinence, bacterial infections, bladder stones, and even cancer and could cause symptoms like frequent urination, producing small amounts of urine, blood in the urine, incontinence, straining or crying in pain when trying to urinate, vomiting, fever, and weight loss. Some of the treatment options include antibiotics, dietary changes, and surgery to remove bladder stones or a tumor.

5) Obesity: Also a common health problem in canines, dogs could face risks of joint pain, diabetes, and liver disease. Consult a vet for a suitable diet and exercise plan if your dog is overweight and you cannot feel its backbone and ribs without pressing.  Increase the calorie output and decrease the calorie input by reducing snacks or treats, feed him small meals throughout the day, and make it a point to take him to the park to play and run around.

6) Broken bones or fractures: One of the most common problem, it could show up as symptoms like limping, not moving, with its treatment lying in surgery, splint or a cast.  

7) Dental disease: Periodontal disease, an infection of the gums affects most dogs by the age of 2 and could be linked to heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and other serious dog health problems. Symptoms range from smelly breath to difficulty eating and facial swelling, with the treatment lying in removing dental plaque and teeth if necessary. This disease could be prevented by regular check-ups with a vet dentist, giving your dog rawhide chews, and regularly brushing your pet’s teeth with dog toothpaste.

Regular vet visits and preventive steps with prompt attention from a vet in case of any unusual behavior or symptom could keep your canine in good health and also lead to speedy recovery.

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